Anusuya Datta, a writer and journalist residing in Saskatoon, shares her experience of decorating her home for the holidays in December. Despite the absence of snow, she admires her house, believing that home is where the heart is. After three years in Canada, she feels they have finally found a place to call their own.
Upon entering the house for the first time during their house-hunting journey, Anusuya, her husband, and teenager were captivated by the abundance of sunlight streaming in through numerous windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The child expressed a sense of belonging by stating, “Ma, this feels like home,” a sentiment that brought happiness to Anusuya’s heart.
The simplicity and coziness of their new home, with a spacious front lawn and a backyard adorned with swaying poplar trees, resonated with the family. The house, not grand or small, felt just right – a perfect fit that evoked love at first sight.
Reflecting on her childhood memories in India, Anusuya drew parallels between her current home and the one she grew up in, where nature and cherished moments filled the surroundings. Transitioning from their previous home in Delhi to Saskatoon brought a mix of emotions, as they left behind their own space and embraced the impermanence of renting.
The rental apartment in Saskatoon felt impersonal and transient, lacking the warmth and personal touch of a true home. The sense of impermanence was intensified during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the family to purchase their own house in September.
Now settled in their new home, Anusuya sees it as more than just a physical structure – it symbolizes a fresh start and a new chapter in their lives. The house has become a place where memories are created, milestones are celebrated, and roots are planted, transforming Saskatoon from a mere location on the map to a beacon of hope and belonging.
Anusuya looks forward to building new memories and shaping an environment that reflects their identity, emphasizing that home is not merely a birthplace but a conscious choice of where one belongs.
